A Guide to Physical Preparation to Play Collegiate Volleyball is co-authored by John Cook and Laura Pilakowski. They were the Head Volleyball Coach and Head Volleyball Strength & Conditioning Coach at the University of Nebraska respectively at the publishing date (2006). Basically, it is a pamphlet with five short chapters, and those chapters go as follows.
Chapter 1 – The physical demands of collegiate volleyball
This chapter starts with a talk of three evaluation elements used in the recruitment process. They include landings, symmetry of strength and movement, and arm-swing mechanics. This is all linked to core strength. The authors then go into the specific requirements of the sport and individual positions. There are some suggestions for ways to prepare for the jump from high school/juniors to collegiate volleyball’s higher demands.
Chapter 2 – Building a foundation
The three focal points of this chapter are Balance, Posture/Strength/Stability, and Jumping Skills. The respective sections have suggested exercises.
Chapter 3 – Expand on the foundation in the areas of jumping power and court quickness
As suggested, this chapter extends into working at improving vertical jump and quickness. It presents lots of exercises, and offers tips and thoughts.
Chapter 4 – The elements of a basic program
Here we get into the specifics of how to put together a strength & conditioning program for volleyball. This includes thoughts on how to do testing. The chapter also features an 8-week program, which includes both strength/power training and conditioning (I posted a sample program from a college team I coached).
Chapter 5 – Information on how to develop a community of support personnel
The final section is contributed by an editor of the Performance Conditioning Volleyball Newsletter (under which banner the book was published). Conceptually, these few pages are worth reviewing. To say the list of support personnel suggested to help young volleyball players with their physical and mental development is ambitious may be an understatement, though.
Overall, I think this pamphlet can be quite useful for both volleyball coaches and players/parents.
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